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Description
Alchornea Davidii, also known as the “David’s Alchornea,” is a small evergreen shrub that belongs to the family Euphorbiaceae. It is native to tropical Africa and can grow up to 5 meters tall. The plant has a unique and attractive appearance, making it a popular ornamental plant in gardens and parks. It has a wide range of medicinal uses and is also used as a source of timber.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Malpighiales |
| Family | Euphorbiaceae |
| Genus | Alchornea |
Appearance
The Alchornea Davidii plant has glossy, dark green leaves that are oval-shaped and grow up to 15cm long. The leaves have prominent veins and are arranged alternately on the stem. The plant produces small, yellow-green flowers that are not very showy. The fruit is a capsule that splits open to reveal small seeds. The plant has a dense and bushy growth habit, making it an excellent choice for hedges.
Care Guide
Water
Alchornea Davidii requires regular watering to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. It is essential to avoid overwatering, as it can lead to root rot.
Fertilization
The plant benefits from regular fertilization to promote healthy growth. Use a balanced fertilizer every three months during the growing season.
Soil
The Alchornea Davidii plant thrives in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It is essential to avoid heavy clay soils, as they can lead to waterlogging.
Sunlight
The plant prefers partial shade to full sun exposure. It can tolerate full sun, but it may require more frequent watering.
Hardiness Zones
The plant thrives in tropical and subtropical regions and is hardy in USDA zones 10-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Alchornea Davidii is prone to attacks by mealybugs, spider mites, and scale insects. It is also susceptible to fungal diseases such as leaf spot and powdery mildew. Regular inspection and treatment with insecticides and fungicides can help prevent infestations.
Habitat
Alchornea Davidii is native to tropical Africa and can be found in forests, woodlands, and savannas. It prefers well-draining soils and can tolerate both partial shade and full sun exposure.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Alchornea Davidii toxic to pets?
A: Yes, Alchornea Davidii is toxic to pets, including cats and dogs. The plant contains compounds that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal symptoms when ingested.
Q: Can Alchornea Davidii be grown indoors?
A: It is not recommended to grow Alchornea Davidii indoors as it requires full sun exposure and can grow up to 5 meters tall.
Q: How often should I fertilize my Alchornea Davidii plant?
A: It is recommended to fertilize the plant every three months during the growing season.
Q: Can Alchornea Davidii be used for medicinal purposes?
A: Yes, Alchornea Davidii has a wide range of medicinal uses and is used to treat various conditions such as malaria, diabetes, and hypertension.
Related Plants
- Alchornea Cordifolia
- Alchornea Hirtella
- Alchornea Laxiflora
- Alchornea Latifolia
References
- “Alchornea Davidii.” Plantz Africa, SANBI, www.plantzafrica.com/plantab/Alchornedavidii.htm.
- “Alchornea Davidii.” The Plant List, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and Missouri Botanical Garden, www.theplantlist.org/tpl1.1/record/kew-6086.
- “Alchornea Davidii.” World Agroforestry Centre, ICRAF, www.worldagroforestry.org/treedb2/speciesprofile.php?Spid=1630.
